An emotional, thought-provoking book from multi-award-winning author Bette Greene.
The summer that Patty Bergen turns twelve is a summer that will haunt her forever. When her small hometown in Arkansas becomes the site of a camp housing German prisoners during World War II, Patty learns what it means to open her heart. Even though she's Jewish, she begins to see a prison escapee, Anton, not as a Nazi, but as a lonely, frightened young man with feelings not unlike her own.
In Anton, Patty finds someone who softens the pain of her own father's rejection and who appreciates her in a way her mother never will. While patriotic feelings run high, Patty risks losing family, friends — even her freedom — for this dangerous friendship. It is a risk she has to take and one she will have to pay a price to keep.
"An exceptionally fine novel." —The New York Times
"Courageous and compelling!" —Publishers Weekly
A National Book Award Finalist
An ALA Notable Book
A New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year
- ISBN10 0142406511
- ISBN13 9780142406519
- Publish Date 17 February 2011 (first published 1 November 1974)
- Publish Status Transferred
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Puffin Books
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 240
- Language English
- URL https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780142406519